Charismatic People and Movements

Interesting post on charisma, deep.thought. I think it's clearly true that some people possess it and others do not. Why women are not generally considered to be "charismatic" while some men are is an intriguing thought. I suspect part of the reason for that is because our common understanding of "charisma" is more a male attribute -- strength, confidence, persuasive, energetic. I think that distinction is starting to blur as time goes by ... more and more women are assuming those qualities and not being shunned for doing so.

Note: One example that comes to mind is Madonna. I don't much care for her music or her viewpoint on things, but it would be hard for me to argue that she's a strong-willed, confident and at least from a public relations perspective, persuasive and energentic personality.

Another woman that comes to mind -- very much in the news of late -- is Angelina Jolie. She is, I think, "charismatic," but in a way that is uniquely feminine: she exudes a certain confident sexuality that in and of itself is strong, confident and persuasive. I'm not much taken by her charms simply because I think she's operating under the influence of some dark forces, but there's no denying lots of men in Hollywood seem unable to resist her allure. Brad Pitt, if the stories in the tabloids are true, is the latest.

Do I think Jesus had charisma? Yes, but not in a "snake-oil salesman" sort of way. If the Bible is true and we are to understand that Jesus was singularly without sin -- either of commission or omission; either of deeds or thoughts -- then it must have been a striking thing to witness him. Every act, every word, every thought, every deed -- all perfectly obedient to the will of the perfect Creator. I can imagine there must have been a confidence there that was without pride or boastfulness; humility without weakness; strength without malice. He was, I suspect, quite an arresting person when he was in human form on this earth.

There's little question that in today's world that people possessing charisma often achieve what they set out to achieve. The best salesmen are charismatic. Many of the larger churches in America are led by very charismatic pastors, sometimes ones who eventually stumble and fall due to the intoxication of their success -- Jim Bakker of the 1980's; Jimmy Swaggart, etc.

Of the two approaches you wrote of -- Jung's charismatic influence vs. Freud's methodical process -- I think I would trust Freud's more. I am suspicious of charismatic influence, though I am not immune to it. It's just that for the person who possesses it in large measure, it can be quite a narcotic. It takes a person with deep roots to use such natural charisma for good.

Interesting comment you made about my supposed charisma. Odd since I don't sense any such thing, but then again I witness myself from the inside, and I see a different picture. When I'm presenting I am "on stage," giving a portrayal that is not really me, but rather a projection I muster. That is why, I think, I am so exhausted after such times -- I spend considerable energy being someone I suspect I am not. The same holds for social gatherings -- I "put on a mask" and exhaust myself in the process.

I was thinking about this the other day when I was talking to a co-worker of mine about the Christian faith. He is not a believer, yet he is clearly seeking. He expressed some discomfort with the notion of being really demonstrative with one's faith -- holding up a Bible, closing one's eyes and waving one's hands in the air. I had to agree with him. Such is simply not something I will ever do. Which brings up this question: is that necessarily bad? Call it wishful thinking, but I would like believe that there is a place for quiet, introspective belief. If not, then I'm in for a difficult journey.